How To Grow And Care For Jacobinia (lat. Justicia Carnea)
Jacobinia or Brazilian Plume (lat. Justicia carnea) is a perennial plant, native to the Atlantic Forest ecoregions of eastern Brazil, and belongs to the family Acanthaceae. It grows upright as a shrub and can grow up to 1.5 meters. The leaves are dark green with a length of up to 20 cm. The flowers are grouped in large dense flowers, which can be red, pink or orange, and bloom from spring to autumn. The fruit is a capsule containing up to four seeds.
Naturally it is spread thru the tropical areas of South America (eastern Brazil). It does not well with low temperatures, so you should not grow it in pots if you live somewhere colder. It grows in bright places and the best for this plant is somewhat shaded, because it does not tolerate direct sunlight also. The temperature should move up to 25 ° C, and in winter 16 ° C to 18 ° C. In the spring it can be taken out, and then usually the plants are transplanted and you should cut the plant a bit and plant it in soil.
It is propagated by cuttings which are also taken in the spring, after the blooming period. They should be put under a glass, in a light place, but away from direct sunlight. During the growing, it should be watered thoroughly and with water at room temperature. In the winter, you should spray it with water because it does not handle the dry air well.
The Jacobinia needs more frequent watering and spraying of the leaves. Dry air is suitable for attack by aphids and dried sod or too high temperatures are the main reason for the leaves or flowers to wilt and fall out.
